London Spirit vs Southern Brave – The Hundred 2025 Match Preview

Date: Saturday, 23 August 2025
Time: 18:00 GMT (20:00 AEST)
Venue: Lord’s Cricket Ground, London
Tournament: The Hundred Men's Competition
Match Number: 26 of the 2025 season

Match Context

This high-stakes encounter between London Spirit and Southern Brave is a crucial fixture in the race to the knockout stages of The Hundred. While London Spirit must secure a win to keep their hopes alive, Southern Brave, currently fourth in the table, looks to solidify their position with a victory. The history between the two sides is in favor of the Brave, who have won two out of their last three meetings.

Team Form & Key Players

London Spirit

• Captain: Kane Williamson
• Key Batters: David Warner (165 runs from 6 innings), Jamie Smith (wk)
• Key Bowlers: Luke Wood, Liam Dawson, Richard Gleeson

London Spirit has struggled in recent fixtures, losing their last two matches to the Northern Superchargers and Birmingham Phoenix. The middle order has been inconsistent, and the team is under pressure to deliver at Lord’s. David Warner will be key to providing the required fireworks at the top of the order, while Kane Williamson will need to lead from the front.

Southern Brave

• Captain: James Vince
• Key Batters: Leus du Plooy, Jason Roy, Laurie Evans (wk)
• Key Bowlers: Craig Overton (8 wickets, 7.86 economy), Jofra Archer, Chris Jordan

Southern Brave have had a mixed run in the tournament but have shown resilience in tight matches, including a dramatic one-wicket win over the Birmingham Phoenix. With Jason Roy and Leus du Plooy providing a solid top order, and Craig Overton and Jofra Archer offering deadly pace, the Brave have a balanced squad. Their recent victory against the Welsh Fire, led by Hilton Cartwright's heroics, has given them a confidence boost.

Head-to-Head Record

Southern Brave hold the advantage in the recent meetings, including a memorable 7-wicket win in 2024.

Weather & Ground Conditions

• Venue: Lord’s – A historic and neutral ground known for producing balanced contests.
• Weather Forecast: Slight cloud cover expected; ideal batting conditions.
• Average First Innings Score: Just under 140.
• Expected Strategy: Batting first may be the preferred option, given the nature of the pitch and weather.

Match Prediction

Given Southern Brave's recent form, key players in form, and the neutral nature of the Lord’s pitch, they are slight favorites to win this match. However, London Spirit have the firepower and home advantage to make it a tight contest.

Projected Winner: Southern Brave
Likely Margin: 6-8 wickets with 10-15 balls remaining.

What to Watch For

• David Warner vs Craig Overton: A crucial battle at the top of the order.
• Hilton Cartwright’s Performance: The Brave’s all-rounder has been in great form.
• Late-order Powerplay: Who will dominate in the final 10 overs?

Final Thoughts

This match promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams capable of pulling off a shock result. For London Spirit, it's a must-win game to keep their campaign alive. Southern Brave, meanwhile, are looking to continue their momentum and cement their place in the top four. Cricket fans at Lord’s and around the world are in for a treat.

Catch the action at 18:00 GMT, 20:00 AEST.
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